CGS Formation: Level 1A
Catechist Intensive Residential Formation Course
Level 1, Part A
for Catechists working with children ages 3 – 6
Aquinas College – Nashville, TN
July 12-18, 2026
What is Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)?
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and liturgy. CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in relationship. Our work as adults is to provide a place for the child and God to come together and grow.
Course Description
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Formation, Part A is an intensive, prayerful, and hands-on introduction to the catechetical method developed by Sofia Cavalletti and Gianna Gobbi. Rooted in Scripture, liturgy, and the spiritual life of the young child, this formation prepares adults to accompany children ages 3–6 in their relationship with God.
This week-long residential course invites participants into a shared rhythm of prayer, study, material-making, and contemplation. Through presentations, personal work with the materials, communal reflection, and silence, participants experience the CGS method not only as a pedagogy, but as a way of listening to God alongside the child.
Participants will live onsite for the duration of the course. Overnight accommodations and all meals are provided to support a fully immersive formation experience that mirrors the contemplative environment of the atrium itself.
Successful completion of both Part A and Part B of this course will result in a certificate from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Training will be conducted in the Holy Child Atria, in the Aquinas Center on the Aquinas College campus in Nashville, TN. The course includes evening material making sessions at Siena Hall. Check-in is from 2-4pm on Sunday, July 12; departure after lunch on Saturday, July 18. A preliminary schedule, subject to change, is available to provide a sense of the flow of the week-long training.
Course Objectives
By the end of Level I, Part A formation, participants will:
- Understand the spiritual characteristics and capacities of the child ages 3–6
- Become familiar with the foundational principles and history of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
- Reflect deeply on key biblical and liturgical themes presented to young children
- Learn the purpose, theological grounding, and use of the core Level I atrium materials
- Develop an attitude of contemplation, observation, and respect for the work of the Holy Spirit in the child
- Begin discerning their own call to serve children through CGS catechesis
Formation Leader
Formation Leader: Sister Maria Teresita, O.P.
Sister Maria Teresita is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She currently serves as an upper-elementary guide at St. Philip Learning Center, a Catholic Montessori homeschool enrichment program in Franklin, TN, a catechist for Levels 2 and 3 in a parish setting, and a formation leader for CGS Levels 1 and 2.
Sister holds an AMI diploma at the Elementary level, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Aquinas College, Nashville), and a M.A. in Montessori Education (Loyola University, Maryland). She has enjoyed nearly 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 14 years as a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three atria levels.
Sister began her Montessori journey as a child in a Montessori school where she developed a deep love for learning. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and delights in every opportunity to “listen to God with children.”
Residential Immersion & Participation Expectations
This formation is intentionally designed as a fully immersive residential experience. Participants are expected to stay onsite for the duration of the course.
Living, praying, learning, and sharing meals together creates a depth of formation that cannot be replicated in a commuter model. Many participants find that the informal conversations, shared silence, and unstructured time together are among the most formative aspects of the week.
For this reason, requests to attend as a day student or commuter will be strongly discouraged. While we understand that local participants may be interested in commuting, we ask applicants to carefully consider the purpose and spirit of CGS formation before requesting an exception.
In rare and exceptional circumstances, limited commuter participation may be considered, but priority will be given to those able to fully participate in the residential experience.
Meals & Lodging
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), as well as snacks, will be provided, beginning with dinner on Sunday, July 12 and concluding with lunch on Saturday, July 18. Overnight accommodations (six nights) are provided at the beautiful on-site Siena Hall Conference Center. Each participant will be provided a private spacious bedroom and a Jack-and-Jill bathroom shared with one other attendee.
Registration
Registration for part A of this Level 1 course is $1,450.00 per participant. Registration includes course tuition, books, materials, all meals, and overnight accommodations. Part B of this course will be offered at a later date, based upon input from participants.
Space in this formation course is limited to 24* participants. To secure a place in the course, please complete the online registration form and submit payment. Registration may also be submitted by mail; see course brochure for registration form. Payment may be made via check mailed to Aquinas College (4210 Harding Pike, Nashville TN 37205) or via online credit card payment.
A nonrefundable deposit of $300 is due with registration. Balance is due by June 1, 2026. Cancellations before June 15 will receive a full refund, less the $300 deposit.
* Note that a minimum of 12 participants is required for the course to be offered. If this minimum is not reached by June 1, all tuition, including deposits, will be refunded.
If the cost of registration presents a financial hardship, partial scholarships may be available. Contact cgs@aquinascollege.edu for more information.
Questions?
For questions or more information, contact us.
